2021 Summer Research Scholars

Ms. Alemayehu was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in Biology and Pre-medical preparation. As an LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Dr. Bernstein in the Biology lab. Ms. Alemayehu is also involved in MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students) and Pre-Health Professions Club. When she graduates, she hopes to go into medical school and become a pediatrician.

Mrs. Kadijah Blevins was selected as an LSAMP scholar in 2020. Currently, she is seeking a BS in Biology with a concentration in wildlife. As an LSAMP scholar, she worked with Dr.Ward on microplastic exposure in male fat head minnows (Pimephales promelas). When she graduates she hopes to work as a seasonal field biologist and attend grad school

Dan was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. He is pursuing a BS in computer science with a minor in computer technology. As an LSAMP scholar, he worked with Dr. Skoby on using machine learning to collect data from relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Mr. Chepkwony currently serves as the Chief Quality Officer of Online Impacts which is a nonprofit organization that helps other nonprofits build websites. He plans on going to graduate school while working as a part-time developer.

Ms. Dabson was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. Ms. Dabson is working with Dr. Sammelson in the synthesis of compounds with potential application in medicinal and/or bioorganic chemistry. Ms. Dabson is also involved in African Student Association, Pre-Health Professional Club, Women Empowerment Club, and is a part of the Honors College. When she graduates, she will continue her education in medical school to pursue a career in Anesthesiology.

Mr. Johannsen was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in Computer Science with a minor in Creative Writing. As an LSAMP scholar, he is working with Dr. Skoby on creating a more refined system to better allow the use of data to pinpoint out certain plots of data and achieve as close to pure as possible in Particle Identification with the Quark Gluon Plasma research as possible. When he graduates, he hopes to break into the video game industry and create stories and characters that will delight and entertain the masses.

Mr. Jones was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2020. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in microbiology with a minor in Spanish. As an LSAMP scholar, he has worked with Dr. Sharma on genotyping mice to determine which genes affect the development of heart cells. Brendan Jones is the President and Founder of the Red Cross Club at Ball State. This organization provides relief and support to Muncie and the surrounding communities. He also is the President of MAPS (Minority Association of Premedical Students) at Ball State which works to increase the number of minority doctors. He is applying to medical school and aspires to become a neurosurgeon.

Mr. Mendoza has started as a IN LSAMP scholar in 2020. Currently getting a degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry. He joined the Genetic Club in 2019 as a member. He is currently doing research with Dr. Konkle

Mr. Saldivar was selected as an IN LSAMP scholar in 2020. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in Biology with a concentration in Pre-Veterinary and Zoology. As a LSAMP scholar, he has worked with Dr. Pederson on Glycogen levels in rats and the possible effects that it may have on learning and growth. These tests and experiments can be used to refer to diabetes in humans. Mr. Saldivar has been involved with an on-campus church group, The Revolution, and The Wildlife Society. These organizations help bring forth the development of volunteer work and networking with noticeable personnel. When he graduates, he hopes to get into a graduate school to pursue his Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine.

Ms. Shelton was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, she is seeking a BS degree in astronomy with a minor in art. As a LSAMP scholar, she has worked with Dr. Berrington in his variable star research group to provide a comprehensive systematic study of short periodicity systems that cannot be provided by the large-area surveys like the All-Sky Automated Survey and the Northern Sky Variability Survey. When she graduates, she hopes to continue to graduate school to become an astronomer.

Mr. Spahr was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in Chemistry with a focus in Biochemistry and a minor in Biology. As an LSAMP Scholar he worked with Dr. J Ward on examining the carry over effects of embryonic learning in adult fathead minnows. Mr. Spahr is also a second year Resident Assistant on campus. He leads a floor community of 60 fellow college students as they navigate their first years as Ball State Cardinals. In addition, Mr. Spahr holds the Treasurer position in Run Club, a club that meets daily to promote cardiovascular health and build a community of runners. As Treasurer, Mr. Spahr handles the finances of the club including member dues, racing registration fees, and transportation costs. Finally, Mr. Spahr is the Co-Vice President of BallVivor, a campus wide recreation of the popular reality TV show Survivor. As Co-VP, Mr. Spahr works closely with his colleagues to organize weekly challenges, eliminations, and occasionally hosts the program. After graduation, Mr. Spahr hopes to join the Air Force and attend medical school.

Mr. Vester was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently, he is seeking a BS degree in Computer Science. He is also working on an AWS certification through Trek10 program. As a LSAMP Scholar, he has worked with Dr. Lin on Cyberwater Testing with the program Jenkins at Ball State University. He is also a volunteer at his Church leading the K-4th graders that attend the church. His future plans are to work in the IT field of app development or in web development.

Mr. Watts was selected as an IN LSAMP Peer Mentor in 2020. Currently, he is seeking a BS in Chemistry and pre-engineering . As a LSAMP scholar, he has worked with Dr. Sergiy Rosokha in the organic chemistry lab. He is a member of the ball state Impact organization for African American students and when he graduates, he hopes to be accepted into an engineering program and become a chemical engineer.

Anizha Young was selected as an IN LSAMP Scholar in 2021. Currently she is seeking a BS degree in biology with a minor in chemistry. As a LSAMP scholar she has worked alongside Dr. K. Foster looking into the functional differences between the forelimb and hindlimb movement of lizards, specifically Anolis and Basilisk lizards. Anizha is also involved in the Pathways Program on campus as well as the Black Students in Health Association where she serves as the Humanitarian. When she graduates, she plans to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatrician.